Parts for your 1999 Toyota Altezza-Driveshafts

1999 Toyota Altezza driveshafts

According to Toyota’s XE10 workshop literature and the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue, the 1999 Toyota Altezza (RS200/AS200) runs a front‑engine, rear‑wheel‑drive layout with a two‑piece propeller shaft between the gearbox and the rear differential, plus a pair of rear axle shafts (CV half‑shafts) from the diff to each wheel. So yes—driveshafts are absolutely used on this model.

On this Altezza, the prop shaft’s job is to send torque from the transmission to the diff smoothly at all speeds. It’s typically a two‑piece design with a centre support bearing and universal joints, chosen for rigidity and good NVH control. Out back, the CV half‑shafts allow suspension movement while keeping drive to the wheels, using flexible joints and sealed grease to stay quiet and reliable. Together, these shafts are central to how the car accelerates, cruises and feels under load.

Servicing the driveshafts on a 1999 Altezza is mostly about inspection and prevention. During routine services (every 10,000–15,000 km is a handy cadence), a technician should:

• Check for vibration on acceleration or at motorway speeds, clunks on take‑up, or a shudder on launch—classic signs of worn U‑joints, a tired centre bearing, or out‑of‑balance shafts.
• Inspect the centre support bearing for cracking or sagging rubber, and look for play in the prop shaft’s universal joints.
• Inspect rear CV boots for splits and grease fling, catch a torn boot early and a reboot can save the joint.
• Confirm flange bolts at the gearbox and diff are tight, and look for rust witness marks that hint at movement.

When replacement is due, marking flange positions before removal helps preserve balance. Follow torque specs from the factory manual, use new flange hardware with the correct threadlocker where specified, and keep the shaft supported so it doesn’t over‑articulate the joints. Many Altezza prop shafts have non‑serviceable staked U‑joints from factory, a quality driveline rebuilder can often fit serviceable joints and rebalance the assembly. For CV half‑shafts, quality new or properly remanufactured units are the go, avoid mixing unmatched left/right lengths or random flange patterns—XE10 variants can differ across manual/auto and diff options.

If there’s persistent vibration after other checks (tyres, wheels, engine/gearbox mounts), a professional balance of the prop shaft, inspection of the centre bearing preload, and verification of diff and gearbox flange runout usually sorts it. Kept sealed and true, Altezza driveshafts deliver long, quiet service.

Q: What are common symptoms of a worn driveshaft on a 1999 Toyota Altezza?

Owners often notice a vibration under acceleration or at steady motorway speeds, a clunk when selecting Drive or taking up first gear, or a shudder on launch. Grease splatter around a rear hub points to a split CV boot. A droning that changes with speed can also indicate a tired centre support bearing.

If tyres and wheels check out, have the prop shaft U‑joints, centre bearing, and rear CVs inspected. Address issues early to avoid collateral wear on the diff or gearbox flanges.

Q: Can the Altezza’s centre support bearing or U‑joints be replaced, or is a full prop shaft needed?

From factory, many XE10 prop shafts use staked U‑joints that aren’t designed for easy DIY replacement. However, driveline specialists can often fit serviceable joints, replace the centre bearing, and balance the shaft to spec. If the tube is damaged or heavily corroded, a complete exchange shaft may be the smarter option.

Always have balancing done after joint or bearing work to keep NVH in check.

Q: Are RS200 and AS200 driveshafts interchangeable?

Some components interchange, but there are differences between manual and automatic transmissions, as well as flange patterns and lengths. Rear axle shafts can also vary with differential type. Matching by VIN or exact part number from the Toyota EPC is the safest route.

Before buying, confirm gearbox type, diff spec, and flange details to avoid fitment hassles.